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Social distancing and government borrowing

Social distancing is being used to try to slow the spread of coronavirus. But where do the different measurements come from?

As lockdowns start to lift, many countries are relying on social distancing to continue to slow the spread of coronavirus. The UK says we should stay 2 metres apart, the World Health Organisation recommends 1 metre, Canada six feet. So where do these different measurements come from?

Plus, governments around the world are trying to prop up their economies by borrowing money. But with everyone in the same situation, where are they borrrowing from?

Producers: Darin Graham, Kate Lamble and May Cameron
Presenter: Tim Harford
Editor: Richard Vadon

(Passengers queue while keeping social distance waiting to board a Rajdhani Express train to Delhi on May 13, 2020, Patna, India. Credit: Santosh Kumar/ Getty Images)

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9 minutes

Last on

Mon 18 May 2020 15:50GMT

Broadcasts

  • Sat 16 May 2020 17:50GMT
  • Sun 17 May 2020 05:50GMT
  • Mon 18 May 2020 08:50GMT
  • Mon 18 May 2020 12:50GMT
  • Mon 18 May 2020 15:50GMT

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